Ireland got off to a flyer in Twickenham.
Garry Ringrose set Joe Schmidt’s men on their way to a Grand Slam with an opening try after just six minutes.
From the line-out, Johnny Sexton launched a kick into the swirling wind in the stratosphere. With the breeze whipping, Anthony Watson went up to claim it.
However, he spilled it, allowing Ringrose to touch down. As the ball came down, there was a suggestion by England fans that Rob Kearney may have knocked it on before Ringrose scored the try.
When the TMO didn’t reference it, England fans raged.
Disappointing #FirstTryToIreland clearly a #KnockOn in the air by #robkearney #TMO #GotThatWrong!@EnglandRugby @ITVRugby@irelandrugby pic.twitter.com/PTnbvAamMZ
— Jonathan P. Maddock (@jpmaddock) March 17, 2018
How is that not a Rob Kearney knock on in the air ? Kiwi officials ruining it for @EnglandRugby
— Martin Frickel (@Martin_Frickel) March 17, 2018
https://twitter.com/Bryertoby/status/975022530024169472
https://twitter.com/jdurling1970/status/975022386075619329
Despite the furious protestations from England fans, replays appeared to confirm that it was just brilliant pressure from Kearney.
However, the TMO did not reference Kearney’s potential knock-on.
In fact, it was Watson who had knocked it back, not Kearney knocking it forward, so there should be no controversy over the try being awarded to Ireland.
While some England fans were enraged at the officials, others preferred to focus on Watson not being able to defend under the high-ball sufficiently. Watson eventually went off injured and was replaced by Mike Brown.
Great start for England ridiculous penalty conceded by Owen Farrell and Anthony Watson can’t deal with a regulation high ball…what has happened to this team?
— Mark Robbo Robinson (@RobboGTFC) March 17, 2018
Awful mistake from Anthony Watson. Should have collected that ball even though he was under pressure #ENGvIRE
— Neil Fissler (@neilfissler) March 17, 2018
